I Never Paint Roses

Henri Matisse once said, "There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted." I've always avoided painting roses for that reason; it's tough to approach it with fresh eyes, and even tougher to avoid slipping into trite, Hallmark-greeting-card prettiness. But there was something so strong and vibrant about this particular rose, spotted near sunset at the local garden center, that made me feel like trying. 

I Never Paint Roses    Oil on canvas. 30 x 22 inches (76 x 56 cm ) . $850.